| Abstract Detail
Plant-Pest Interactions Dixon, Bryna [1], Toda, Luciana [2], Donze, Teresa [3], Heng-Moss, Tiffany [2], Twigg, Paul [4]. Characterization of defense-related gene expression levels in chinch bug (Blissus occiduus) infested buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) varieties using qRT-PCR. Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) is perennial warm-season grass that is native to much of the Midwest. Many varieties of buffalograss have been developed for possible lawn and golf course turfgrass use due to its desirable texture and drought resistance. One of the major pests of buffalograss in the upper Midwest is the chinch bug (Blissus occiduus). This insect can cause severe damage to many buffalograss varieties. While this grass is very well characterized in many areas, it is not well characterized at the genomic level. To further develop the genomic resources of buffalograss and to aid in the possible selection of chinch bug resistant cultivars, we previously made subtractive libraries for susceptible (378) and resistant (Prestege) buffalograss varieties. From this work, we identified several putatively upregulated defense-related transcripts. In this study, we outline the development of qRT-PCR assays for three of these genes and one control (a GRAS transcription factor, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme). These assays were used to measure transcript abundance in 378 and Prestege infested plants through a time course and at various damage levels. The data show some interesting trends indicating the role of the encoded proteins in levels of resistance and signal transduction. We will present this specific data for these transcripts, and also discuss their possible utility in the development of molecular markers to assist in breeding for chinch bug resistance in buffalograss. This project was supported by NIH grant P20 RR16469 from the BRIN program of the National Center for Research Resources, the UNL USDA-ARS, and the USGA.
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1 - University of Nebraska-Kearney, Biology, 905 W. 25th St, Kearney, NE, 68849, USA
2 - University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Entomology
3 - University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Biological Sciences
4 - University of Nebraska-Kearney, Biology
Keywords:
plant-insect interaction
defense
molecular marker.
Presentation Type: Plant Biology Abstract
Session: P
Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton
Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: P14017
Abstract ID:1082 |
